Abstract
Several lines of evidence suggest that the cyclooxygenase enzymes (specifically COX-2) might be an important molecular target for the intervention of cancer at both early and late stages of some cancers, providing an opportunity for both cancer prevention and therapy. COX-2 is overexpressed during carcinogenesis, and appears to have a role in both tumour initiation and promotion and is amenable to intervention. This review discusses the importance of COX modulation via non-specific, as well as COX-2 specific COX inhibitors (NSAIDs and COX-2 selective inhibitors [COXIB]). A brief discussion on the pharmacoeconomic considerations of NSAID and COXIB use and safety issues that have recently been the focus of debate, will be presented.
MeSH terms
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Anticarcinogenic Agents / adverse effects
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Anticarcinogenic Agents / pharmacology
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Anticarcinogenic Agents / therapeutic use*
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Clinical Trials as Topic
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Cyclooxygenase 2
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Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors
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Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors / adverse effects
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Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors / pharmacology
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Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
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Humans
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Isoenzymes / antagonists & inhibitors
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Isoenzymes / biosynthesis
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Isoenzymes / genetics
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Membrane Proteins
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Neoplasms / enzymology
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Neoplasms / prevention & control*
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Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases / biosynthesis
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Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases / genetics
Substances
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Anticarcinogenic Agents
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Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors
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Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors
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Isoenzymes
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Membrane Proteins
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Cyclooxygenase 2
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PTGS2 protein, human
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Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases